Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Charred Bell Peppers
Tender grilled chicken marinated in fresh citrus and herbs, paired with smoky charred bell peppers for a vibrant outdoor meal. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 85 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large, halved and seeded red bell peppers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts into a large resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, place 2 large halved and seeded red bell peppers directly on the grill grates, turning occasionally for 6-8 minutes until skin is charred and softened.
- Step 5: Remove bell peppers from grill, let cool slightly, then slice into strips to serve alongside the grilled chicken.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Charred Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Charred Bell Peppers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Charred Bell Peppers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Charred Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Charred Bell Peppers?
Mediterranean grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My family devoured it.
- ★★★★★
This was the best grilled chicken I've ever made! The citrus and herbs were perfect.
- ★★★★☆
The flavors were great, but the chicken was a bit dry. Next time I'll marinate longer.